4 Quick Backpack Safety Tips Part 4

Parents are often surprised when their generally healthy child complains of neck, back, or shoulder pain. Even more so if they mention headaches, fatigue or tingling numbness in the arms.

Before you run to Web MD to see what the diagnosis could be, stop for a moment and think.  The culprit may be right in front of you...or in this case, behind them.  Backpacks that are the wrong size, wrong weight, poorly packed or poorly worn can lead to serious health challenges and later in life.  But that doesn't change the fact that things need to be carried.

What is a parent to do?

Here is the Last of Four Quick Tips for Backpack Safety (and what parents can do to help!

Backpacks should fit the wearer.  There are many sizes and shapes for a reason.  The backpack should fit the child’s size and age appropriately; not the number of books they think they need to carry!  When sized correctly, the bottom of the bag should rest in the curve of the lower back – no more than 4 inches below the waistline. 

What can parents do?

Make sure the backpack fits the wearer.  Checking once a week before your child walks out the door is a great habit to start.  Do this while asking “do you have your homework/lunch/umbrella” and you won’t even add an extra step to the out-the-door process.

Once you have the backpack under control your child may notice a difference in muscle tension, headaches, neck or back pain. If these types of issues persist, it is probably a good idea to talk to your chiropractor. Some postural issues are easily corrected and can make a world of difference to your child's health now and for years to come. The easiest thing to do is ask. 

 Check out Dr. Dan's Backpack Safety Video for a quick recap of our all our tips!

Dr. Dan Turo is the owner and chiropractor of Turo Family Chiropractic located in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, PA. Follow him on facebook and twitter.

4 Quick Backpack Safety Tips Part 3

There are TWO for a Reason!

Parents are often surprised when their generally healthy child complains of neck, back, or shoulder pain. Even more so if they mention headaches, fatigue or tingling numbness in the arms.

Before you run to Web MD to see what the diagnosis could be, stop for a moment and think.  The culprit may be right in front of you...or in this case, behind them.  Backpacks that are the wrong size, wrong weight, poorly packed or poorly worn can lead to serious health challenges and later in life.  But that doesn't change the fact that things need to be carried.

What is a parent to do?

A bad choice for heavy loads

Here is the Third of Four Quick Tips for Backpack Safety (and what parents can do to help!)

Backpacks need two straps (and both must be used!) Using just one strap puts all the pressure on a   This causes the body to compensate to keep the head straight, leading to poor posture points at the low back and hip.  This also strains the neck and can lead to greater health challenges in growing spines.  If a bag is designed with a single strap, it might not be the best choice for heavy loads. This goes for purses, briefcases, and diaper bags too!

What can parents do?

Remind your child that wearing two straps is important.  Have them look in the mirror with one strap on and then two.  Look at the difference in their shoulders.  With one strap they will see that the “strapped” side is lower and their posture is poor.  Remind them that they will look taller if they stand straighter.  And lead by example! It’s good for your health too.

Once you have the backpack under control your child may notice a difference in muscle tension, headaches, neck or back pain. If these types of issues persist, it is probably a good idea to talk to your chiropractor. Some postural issues are easily corrected and can make a world of difference to your child's health now and for years to come. The easiest thing to do is ask. 

 Check back next week for Tip #4 (or if you can't wait, check out Dr. Dan's Backpack Safety Video)

Dr. Dan Turo is the owner and chiropractor of Turo Family Chiropractic located in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, PA. Follow him on facebook and twitter.

4 Quick Backpack Safety Tips Part 2

Parents are often surprised when their generally healthy child complains of neck, back, or shoulder pain. Even more so if they mention headaches, fatigue or tingling numbness in the arms.

Before you run to Web MD to see what the diagnosis could be, stop for a moment and think.  The culprit may be right in front of you...or in this case, behind them.  Backpacks that are the wrong size, wrong weight, poorly packed or poorly worn can lead to serious health challenges and later in life.  But that doesn't change the fact that things need to be carried.

What is a parent to do?

1 1/2 to 2 inches in the Golden Rule

Here is the Second of Four Quick Tips for Backpack Safety (and what parents can do to help!)

Shoulder straps should be 1 1/2 to 2 inches across and padded.  Having worn a backpack before, you know where all the pressure falls – on the shoulders.  As gravity pulls the bag itself, the weight falls on the shoulders, where there are important blood vessels and nerves that can cause pain, tingling or numbness down the arms when constricted.  Padding cushions the areas of pressure.  A thicker strap spreads the pressure out over a larger area.  This can lead to less pinpoint pain spots and a decrease in overall pressure.

What can parents do?

Check the backpack to make sure that the straps are both wide enough and well padded.  Make sure that the shoulder straps are adjusted to fit your child snugly.  A pack that is worn loosely can pull the child backwards and cause unnecessary strain on their muscles. A well-fitting bag with the correct straps and reduce the immediate pressure felt on the shoulders and neck.  Replace bags that are worn (even if they are favorites).

Once you have the backpack under control your child may notice a difference in muscle tension, headaches, neck or back pain. If these types of issues persist, it is probably a good idea to talk to your chiropractor. Some postural issues are easily corrected and can make a world of difference to your child's health now and for years to come. The easiest thing to do is ask. 

 Check back next week for Tip #3 (or if you can't wait, check out Dr. Dan's Backpack Safety Video) 


Dr. Dan Turo is the owner and chiropractor of Turo Family Chiropractic located in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, PA. Follow him on facebook and twitter.

4 Quick Backpack Safety Tips Part 1

Tip #1: Watch the Weight

With a new school year comes exciting new classes and activities.  And with those classes and activities comes the need to haul books and assignment, equipment and instruments from point A to point B (and C and D and so on).  Parents are often surprised when their generally healthy child complains of neck, back, or shoulder pain. Even more so if they mention headaches, fatigue or tingling numbness in the arms.

Before you run to Web MD to see what the diagnosis could be, stop for a moment and think.  The culprit may be right in front of you...or in this case, behind them.

Backpacks that are the wrong size, wrong weight, poorly packed or poorly worn can lead to serious health challenges later in life.  But that doesn't change the fact that things need to be carried.

What is a parent to do?

Here is the First of Four Quick Tips for Backpack Safety (and what parents can do to help!)

Watch the Weight!

Backpack weight should not exceed 15% of your body weight (10% for younger children!).  As parents, we know how heavy those bags can get – when we do the math, how heavy should a child be that’s carrying a 25lb bag? At least 170 lbs! This means that a 100 lb child should not be carrying every book that they own on their back.

What can parents do?

Remind your children to only pack the essentials and pack them right.  The biggest, heaviest book stays closest to the body.  This helps keep their center of gravity without too much additional correction and pressure on their backs

Once you have the backpack under control, your child may notice a difference in muscle tension, headaches, neck or back pain. If issues persist, it is time to call your family chiropractor.  These types of issues are often easily corrected in children and teens and can make a world of difference to your child's health now and for years to come. The easiest thing to do is ask.

Check back next week for Tip #2 (or if you can't wait, check out Dr. Dan's Backpack Safety Video)

Dr. Dan Turo is the owner and chiropractor of Turo Family Chiropractic located in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, PA. Follow him on facebook and twitter.